The Snowball Express will carry families of fallen military to special holiday party

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ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)-Hundreds of children who lost loved ones to military combat in recent years will receive a very special holiday thank you Saturday. The Snowball Express will fly them to Dallas for a Texas sized party.

These are kids, young and old, who lost their parent to war since our troops entered the fights in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Snowball Express concept was developed ten years ago with the goal of bringing hope and new happy memories to the families of military heroes who have died while on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

About 1,700 kids from around the country, including St. Louis, will all be flown to the Dallas area for a trip to the Fort Worth Science and Industry Museum, a “knight” of jousting fun at Medieval Times, and a private concert by Academy Award-nominated actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. American Airlines is providing the majority of the air travel and flight crews and hundreds of employee volunteers are donating their time to participate.

Before departing from Lambert Airport, families will enjoy refreshments and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.